Generating hot carriers in plasmonic nanoparticles: when quantization does and does not matter?

TL;DR

This paper compares classical and quantum descriptions of plasmonic hot carrier generation in nanoparticles, highlighting that classical models suffice for decay processes in larger particles, but quantum effects are crucial for accurate electron temperature and hot carrier predictions.

Contribution

It clarifies when classical versus quantum models are appropriate for describing plasmonic hot carriers, emphasizing the importance of quantization in electron temperature effects.

Findings

Classical models are adequate for plasmon decay in larger nanoparticles.

Quantum effects significantly influence electron temperature and hot carrier effects.

Neglecting quantization can underestimate hot carrier-assisted processes.

Abstract

Plasmon-assisted hot carrier processes in metal nanoparticles can be described either classically or using the full strength of quantum mechanics. We reconfirm that from the practical applications point of view, when it comes to description of the decay of plasmons in nanoparticles, classical description is sufficiently adequate for all but the smallest of the nanoparticles. At the same time, the electron temperature rise in nanoparticles is discrete (quantized) and neglecting this fact can lead to significant underestimating of hot carrier assisted effects, such as photo-catalysis.